Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan equals world record

Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan has equalled the world record of 178 international caps after he featured against Brazil in a friendly Monday.

Mexico’s Claudio Suarez and Mohamed Al Daeyea of Saudi Arabia previously held the world record for most international caps.

The 36-year-old Zamalek midfielder was a late substitute as Brazil beat Egypt 2-0 in Doha, Qatar, to earn his 178th cap.

He is most likely to break this record when Egypt take on Brazil again in another friendly in February.

“Discipline and determination are the keys to my success and long-serving career. I had an objective in mind and wanted to build a great career. I hope I was able to achieve that and hope I could keep on,” Hassan said after the game.

The vastly experienced midfielder who made his debut against Ghana in 29 December 1995 (1-2) has carried on playing for almost 16 years and still looks like in his early 20’s.

The tireless midfielder has won four African Cup of Nations’ titles in 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010 earning two Most Valuable player awards in 2006 and 2010.

At club level he, Hassan played for Egypt’s top clubs Ismaily, Ahly and Zamalek winning two league titles, Super Cup and a CAF Champions League title in 2008 with Ahly.

He is also one of Egypt’s most serving players in Europe after playing for ten years in Turkey and Belgium before returning to Egypt in 2008.